Urban Grind Review

By Jordan on May 24, 2018

Quaint, urban coffee shop offers more than just coffee beans. But blink and you'll miss it.

Coffee shops have long been utilized as the perfect gathering spot for meetings and gatherings. Whether it’s a study session for a group of students, or a strategic business launch for budding entrepreneurs, they have always been welcoming environments that are essentially libraries that offer concessions instead of books.

Urban Grind embodies this description more than other coffee shops due to the calming environment that it has created. Sure, the bigger chains offer more convenient locations, but how comfortable can you get in hard, wooden chairs and tables?

The Locale

The ambiance at Urban Grind fosters a real sense of community: eclectic, non-traditional seating that reminds you more of someone’s home than a business. There’s a welcoming feel as you enter, and you are immediately greeted with the sights of a classic bakery display showcasing fresh eats and treats.

Parking, however, can be a challenge. You’re lucky if you can snag one of the spaces directly in front of the shop, as street parking is one of the only options available. Even if you do snag a free space, you may be in for a long walk, so come prepared.

The Vibe

Once inside, find a good spot, then place your order. The regular staff is sufficient for most days, but the wait to order and receive your purchase can be long if there is a special event there, or more than say… 3 people in the line. Same goes for the bathroom, so take care of your business beforehand, especially if you know in advance that you’ll want to attend an event there.

Speaking of events, there are many held here. From poetry nights to open mic sessions, the place is the perfect Atlanta locale to get your love jones on (for my seasoned readers out there). There’s even a monthly event for black intellectuals called Mental Dialogue that is every 3rd Friday of the month. It features polarizing topics designed to stimulate conversation in a non-PC environment.

The Food

Being a coffeehouse, there aren’t a ton of food selections, which is great for a location of this size and eliminates paralysis by analysis. Coffee, of course, is an option, but for those who abhor the popular beverage there are other selections such as smoothies, hot chocolate, and Italian sodas.

Snacks are available and you are hit with a bevy of choices as soon as you come through the door. Enjoy a fresh sandwich or a sweet treat as you people watch, or order a pre-packaged option while supplies last.

The Tech

For those who plan to stay a while and have your tech in tow, Urban Grind seems to offer Wi-Fi, although I did not try to access it. An Xfinity hotspot is also available for those with that perk. Electrical outlets are not in abundance here, so be sure your device is charged before coming, or pray that you can find a seat next to one if the few that are present.

Ordering is easy and Urban Grind offers the standard means of payment such as cash and 3 major credit cards (sorry, no American Express), but also accepts Samsung Pay as noted on the sticker at the register (if you’re into that sort of thing).

The Verdict

If you’re looking for a quaint-yet-urban coffeehouse on the west side of town, give Urban Grind a try.